James F. Riat

James Riat, 86, died Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at Shady Oaks Care Center in Lake City, Iowa. He was born on June 27, 1928 in rural Belvue, KS to A.G. (Aloysius) and Gertrude (Hesse) Riat. On August 11, 1973 James married Arvella (Rahjes) Baker in Manhattan, KS. She preceded him in death 1n 2013. James worked as a farmer and cattleman all his life before retiring in the mid 1990s. After retiring, James and Arvella enjoyed traveling. James was an active member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus in Wamego, KS. James is survived by his children: Ann (Rob) Riat of Lake City, IA, Kevin (Jo) Baker of Newton, KS and Jim Baker of Windsor, CO; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Baker of Edmund, OK; grandchildren: Neil and Hannah Baker, Emily Baker, Lindley and Lorin Baker, and Allison, Claire and Emma Riat. He is also survived by his brother, Raymond (Audrey) Riat of St. Mary’s, KS; and sisters, Mary Lou Anderson of Wamego, KS and Helen Davidson of Visalia, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Arvella, son Mark Baker, brother Kenneth Riat and sister Betty Riat. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 2014 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Wamego, with Fr. Mike Peterson as celebrant. A rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the church, prior to funeral services. Burial will be in St. Bernard’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Wamego Community Health Ministry, or, to the Lake City Pool Project, and may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home, PO Box 48, 66547.